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SN\  `&Times New RomanS7C(X75+ ` hp x 5  &  d dA)1dxd'dxd<:zTop of For7E(X7    5+ ` hp x 5?O%2A`Arial?  SN\  `&Times New RomanS7C(X75+ ` hp x 5  A)2dxd0KS.SampleKM<6X9`(Courier NewKSN\  `&Times New RomanS0.Strong 8dl6TypewriterKM<6X9`(Courier NewKSN\  `&Times New RomanS42Variable: 8HTML MarkupB      2 0CommentB   !" 35;AGMSY_11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.<6X9`(Courier New\  `&Times New Roman%2A`ArialSDU_2453#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)Si) dSDU_97SDU_84SDU_21SDU_168citeas((Cite as: 978 S.W.2d 872, *892)citeas((Cite as: 2000 WL 343793, *8 (Tenn.Crim.App.))SDU_29StarPageciteas((Cite as: 2001 WL 584283, *39 (Tenn.Crim.App.))citeas((Cite as: 2001 WL 220186, *41 (Tenn.Crim.App.))SearchTermciteas((Cite as: 46 S.W.3d 689, *703)SDU_59SDU_224SDU_225SDU_108SDU_8   ($USUS.,    1    _XXԀThemotiontosuppressfiledbydefensecounselwasgenericinnatureandalsochallengedanyevidence  seizedastheresultofanysearches.Asthedefendantlimitshisargumentonappealtothesuppressionofhis q confession,wewilldothesame.#Xc.Xe#SDU_58 T.E.v.ask[edsorta circumstance[snonstatutory*mischaracterizationbrief,piaggravators P.J.EmmonsDyersburgGeldreichBivensAutoZoneAtkesonNorthsideBrasfieldBrasfieldsGuinnCappsJoyner i]tdumpsterObions]everalCarhartEssary TBIChouteauw]ellCamarothered s]of]amilyShettleshypomanicdistractiblepolysubstancerehab h]ethat thatRiverbendU]nderHudgings WPSD KMISCountiansMelsonCrenshawKygerAnglinSommervilleThackerc]ourtAdkisson EvidRickmanMcCaryCommnDuBoseParton"premeditativelynoncharacterMRyallunconvictedBurlison n]oBuggs i]fask[sicLedbetterW]ithFulimanteStrawnCaughronN]umber A]tR]ememberW]hataggravatorNesbit VannBlantonCribbsCauthernLynaughsentencerBrimmerBigbeeCazes- -citeas((Cite as: 73 S.W.3d 159, *169)SDU_44SDU_41&c$""0 SDU_14SDU_17SDU_4citeas((Cite as: 1999 WL 689414, *8 (Tenn.Crim.App.))SDU_47SDU_75citeas((Cite as: 1999 WL 1532323, *2 (Tenn.Crim.App.)){|~C I&mage <=8C HKKKKLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5(.3$ !USUS.,  citeas((Cite as: 1999 WL 51562, *18 (Tenn.Crim.App.))( $ Figure  1  !USUS.,  _XއXXXxXXއOa 8c.Xdd8l  р@hhINTHECOURTOFCRIMINALAPPEALSOFTENNESSEE  @%ATJACKSON#XއXx\#9XXއԈ #   #XއX9u#9XXއ @  @` July8,2003Session#XއX9#9XXއ F #XއX9G#xXXއ #XއXx#9XXއSTATEOFTENNESSEEv.STEVENRAYTHACKER#XއX9#xXXއ  ) y @@ #XއXxZ#DirectAppealfromtheCircuitCourtsforDyerandLakeCounties ]  DyerCounty@@No.#Xc.XXXއ=#ԀC0054;LakeCountyNo.01CR8238R.LeeMoore,Jr.,JudgeÇ XXc. G  #Xc.X Ç#Ç XXc.@@*AV) ` dE<?` A @  #Xc.X Ç#@@TTNo.W200201119CCAR3DDFiledDecember18,_2003_ 9  AV) ` dE< ` A  ]     Capitaldefendant,StevenRayThacker,appealshisconvictionandsentenceofdeathresultingfrom U theJanuary2,2000,murderofRayPatterson.ADyerCountyjuryconvictedThackeroffirstdegree > murder.Followingaseparatesentencinghearing,thejuryfoundthattheproofsupportedtwo ' aggravatingcircumstancesbeyondareasonabledoubt:(1)themurderwascommittedforthe  purposeofavoiding,interferingwith,orpreventingalawfularrestorprosecutionofthedefendant,  Tenn.CodeAnn.3913204(I)(6),and(2)themurderwasknowinglycommittedbythedefendant  whilethedefendanthadasubstantialroleincommittingorwasfleeingafterhavingasubstantial { roleincommittingafirstdegreemurder,rape,robbery,burglary,theftorkidnapping,Tenn.Code d Ann.3913204(I)(7).Thejuryfurtherdeterminedthatthemitigatingcircumstancesdidnot M outweightheaggravatingcircumstancesandimposedasentenceofdeath.Thetrialcourtapproved 6 thedeathverdict.Thedefendantappeals,presentingforourreviewthefollowingclaims:(1)the o trialcourterredindenyingthedefendantsmotionforachangeofvenuetoacountyoutsidethe X judicialdistrict;(2)thetrialcourterredinadmittingaredactedstatementmadebythedefendant; A (3)thetrialcourterredinadmittingevidenceofothercrimes;(4)thetrialcourterredinpermitting * thecauseofdeathtobeprovenbylaytestimony;(5)thetrialcourterredbyfailingtograntamistrial  basedupontheStatescommentsduringclosingargument;(6)thetrialcourterredbynotpermitting   thedefendanttoargueselfdefense;(7)theevidenceisinsufficienttosupportaconviction;(8)the !  trialcourterredindenyingthemotiontosuppressthedefendantsconfession;(9)thetrialcourt ~"! erredbyprohibitingtheintroductionofmitigationevidence;(10)theStatecommittedprosecutorial g#" misconductinelicitingtestimonyaboutthedefendantspriorbadacts;(11)thetrialcourterredin P$# refusingtopermitanexpertwitnesstoexplaindetailsofthedefendantsmentalcondition;(12)the 9% $ trialcourterredinpermittingtheprosecutortoarguethatmitigatorsmustoutweighaggravators "&r!% beyondareasonabledoubttoimposeasentenceoflifewithoutparole;(13)thetrialcourterredby  '["& limitingthedefensetostatutorymitigators;(14)thetrialcourterredinpermittingtheintroduction 'D#' ofcertainvictimimpactevidence;(15)thetrialcourterredbypermittingtheStatetopresent (-$( evidencethatthedefendantwasfleeingfrompresentcharges;(16)thedeathpenaltyis )%) unconstitutional;and(17)thesentenceofdeathisnotproportionate.Afterreview,wefindnoerror *%* oflawrequiringreversal.Accordingly,weaffirmthejurysverdictofguiltastotheoffenseoffirst +&+ degreemurderandthejurysimpositionofthesentenceofdeathinthiscase. ,',  j-(-  Tenn.R.App.P.3AppealasofRight;JudgmentoftheCriminalCourtAffirmed as  Modified     JohnEverettWilliams,J.,deliveredtheopinionofthecourt,inwhichGaryR.Wade,P.J.,and o RobertW.Wedemeyer,J.,joined. X CharlesS.Kelly,Sr.,andWayneEmmons,Dyersburg,Tennessee,fortheappellant,StevenRay * z Thacker.  c PaulG.Summers,AttorneyGeneralandReporter;GillR.Geldreich,AssistantAttorneyGeneral;  5  C.PhillipBivens,DistrictAttorneyGeneral,andKarenBurns,AssistantDistrictAttorneyGeneral,    fortheappellee,StateofTennessee.      OPINION  r  W  @! FactualBackground  E @gg# A.GuiltPhase  h     ElizabethPattersontestifiedthatherhusband,RayPatterson,thevictim,operatedaservice ; station/wreckerservicewithhisbrother,JerryPatterson,inDyersburg.OnSundaymorning, $ January2,2000,Mrs.Pattersonansweredatelephonecallrequestingwreckerservice.Shegavethe   phonetothevictim,whowrotethefollowingonanenvelope: OldsmobileCutlass,85,pullto  AutoZoneStore.Thevictimexpressedhisintenttogoonthewreckercallandtobeinchurchif  hereturnedintime. x Ѐ  Mrs.Pattersondidnotfindthetelephonecallunusualasshewasusedtoherhusband J receivingwreckercallsatoddhours,anydayoftheweek. Sheexplainedthat,whenherhusband 3 respondedtowreckercalls,itwasnotunusualforhimtocarrya.25caliberautomatichandgunin l hisleftpocketforhisownprotection. Mrs.Pattersonaddedthatherhusbandhadtowedpeoples  U carsforfreeonoccasion. Herdaughter,KarenBobo,confirmedthatherfatherwouldoftentell  > peoplewhocouldnotpay,tocomebackandpayhimlater. BothMrs.Pattersonandherdaughter, !'  Karen,relatedthatthevictimusuallycarriedapocketknife,hiswallet,money,andapackofcigars "! onhisperson.  #"   OnSunday,January2,2000,MelissaAtkesonwasworkingattheNorthsideTruckStopon {% $ St.JohnAvenueinDyersburg. AmanapproachedMs.Atkesonandinquiredastowhetherthere d&!% wasawreckerservicethatwasopenonSundays. Ms.AtkesonprovidedthemanwithRay N'"& Pattersonsnameandtelephonenumber. Themanwenttoapayphoneandmadeatelephonecall.  7(#'  Aftermakingthetelephonecall,themanreturnedtothefrontofthebuildingandsatandhadcoffee  )p$( untilMr.Pattersonarrived. Duringthistime,Ms.Atkesonengagedinconversationwiththeman.  *Y%)  Ms.AtkesonlaterlearnedthemansidentitytobeStevenRayThacker.  *C&*   +,'+   SeveralwitnessestestifiedthattheyobservedRayPattersonaccompaniedbyanunidentified  manonJanuary2,2000.ThomasBurnswasemployedasamaintenanceworkerattheDyersburg  welcomecenter. Mr.Burnsrecalledthat,onJanuary2,2000,thevictimbroughtamanwithhim  tothewelcomecenter. Laterthatafternoon,ThomasBurnslearnedthatRayPattersonhadbeen l killed. Burnslatersawthedefendantspictureinthenewspaperandrecognizedhimasbeingwith V thevictimatthewelcomecenter.CurtisHinson,anemployeeofTripleATaxiinDyersburg, @  testifiedthatonSunday,January2,2000,hepassedthePattersonBrotherswreckeronLakeRoad. ) y  Mr.Hinsonwasabletoobservethevictimandanothermaleindividualinthecabofthewrecker.   b Ѐ    L   WymanBrasfield,awreckerdriverforBrasfieldBodyShop,testifiedthatonJanuary2,  5  2000,onhiswaytovisithisdaughterinsouthDyersburg,hepassedPattersonBrothersService    Station. ThePattersonwreckerwasparkedoutsidethestationwithacaronit. Mr.Brasfield   observedthevictiminthebuildingwithhisbacktothewindow. Healsonoticedthattherewas   anotherpersonwiththevictim,althoughhecouldnotidentifytheindividual. Mr.Brasfielddecided   tostoptotalktothevictimaboutavehiclestuckindeepwater;however,hiswifeurgedhimonto r  theirdaughtershouse. Onthewaybackfromtheirdaughtershouse,theBrasfieldsobservedpolice [  officersinfrontofthePattersonServiceStation;theyalsonoticed [thevictims]bodylayingout D frontthere. Laterthatday,WymanBrasfieldreceivedacalltotowavehicleonRamboRoadat -} TimmyCappssresidence. Mr.BrasfieldrecognizedthevehiclethathadbeenonthePatterson f wreckerearlierthatday.  O    `     h      p      x     KennethCampbellandEmilyGuinnwereontheirwaytochurchonJanuary2whenthey ! stoppedatPattersonsServiceStationonMainStreetforadrink. Mr.Campbellpulleduptothesoft   drinkmachinesandgotout. Heobservedapersonwalkingtowardshistruck,butthoughtnothing  ofit. However,asMr.Campbellwasattemptingtogetasodafromthemachine,hesawthevictim  lyingonthegroundbetweenthegaspumpsandtheoffice. Mr.Campbellthenlefttheparkinglot x inordertofindatelephonetocallthepolice. Hecircledtheblockandashenearedtheservice a station,henoticed someonedraggingthebodyneartherollupdoorofthegasstation. Mr. J Campbellthendrovedirectlytothepolicestation.  3   Atapproximately12:20p.m.,onJanuary2,2000,PaulGageandhiswifewereatthe  T DyersburgAutoZone. Whilethere,amanaskedMr.Gageabout aplacetogetacarworkedon.   = Mr.Gagereferredthemantohisnephew,TimCapps,andgave themandirectionstoCappss !&  business.Mr.Gagelaterrecognizedthedefendantspictureontelevisionastheindividual "! encounteredatAutoZone.  #"   DavidFisher,anofficerwiththeDyersburgPoliceDepartment,testifiedthathereceiveda y% $ radioreportofaninjuredpersonlyingonthepavementat200NorthMain,theBPstation. Officer b&!% Fisher,uponarrivingatthescene,discoveredthedeceasedvictimlyinginthefirstservicebayof L'"& theservicestation. OfficerFisherobservedthatabloodtrailledfromthefirstfuelpumpisland 5(#' directlytothepositioninwhichthebodywasfound. Thevictimwasdressedinan ordinaryservice )n$( stationtypeuniformwithalightjacket.  Hisinnershirtwastorn,andthejacketandshirt,around *W%) thecollararea,waspulledbackwards,asifhedbeendraggedtothelocationthathewasfound. *A&*  OfficerFisheralsoobservedthatthevictim hadanapparentwoundtohisuppertorsothatappeared +*'+ tobeasubstantialwound.     JerryWalkerandRonnieCollins,two_EMTs_ԀwiththeDyersburgFireDepartment,arrived  shortlythereafter. Mr.Walkerstatedthat,uponhisarrivalatthescene,heexaminedthevictimfor j vitalsigns,andtherewerenone. Hefurtherstatedthat,uponopeningthevictimsshirt,they S observedawound inhisshoulder,comingdown,itlookedlike.Itlookedlikeaknifewound. No <  otherwoundswerediscovered.Mr.Walkerwasunabletodetermineiftheknifewoundwasthe % u causeofdeath.   ^   TonyDouglas,aparamedicemployedbyMethodistHospitalEmergencyServices,also  0  respondedtothecallatthePattersonServiceStation. Mr.Douglasexaminedthedeceasedfor    woundsanddiscovered apuncturewoundontherightsideofthechestsomewherearoundtwoto   threeincheslongandinamoonshape. Nootherwoundswerediscovered. Mr.Douglasopined   thatthiswoundwasfatal,inthatitresultedinthelossofblood. Mr.Douglasadmittedthathedid   notknowwhetherthevictimhadsufferedaheartattack.   p    InvestigatorJimJoynerlaterarrivedattheservicestation.Whenaskedaboutbloodatthe A scene,heresponded, [i]twasaverylargeamountofblood.Bloodwasalloverthestation,outin *z thefront,intheservicebay,intheoffice.Inaddition,therewasalargebloodspatterfromthecash c registertothewalloftheoffice.  Hestatedthatthebloodtrailwentoutthedooroftheofficetoward L theservicebaydoor. ADiscovercreditcardinthenameofForrestR.Boydwasfoundonthe 5 counternexttothecreditcardmachine. Therewasnoevidencefoundofanyspentorfiredrounds  fromasemiautomaticweapon. Neitherthevictimsgunnorhiswalletwasfoundonhisperson.    Additionally,thePattersonwreckerwasnotattheservicestation.     InvestigatorJoynerrelatedthathe receivedinformationthatapossiblesuspectwasSteven t Thacker,andthathewouldpossiblybedrivinga1985Oldsmobile,maroonincolor,withaMissouri ] licenseplate.  ABOLO[beonthelookout]wasputouttootheragencies.Atthetime,wehad F alocalnewsstation,andIbelievethatphotographwasalsoputonthelocalnewschannel. Later 0 onthatsameday,theDyerCountySheriffsDepartmentreceivedinformationthatthesuspectmay j bedrivingacreamcolor1984Pontiac6000. InvestigatorJoynerwaslaternotifiedthattheUnion  S CityPoliceDepartment hadlocatedboththevehicleandthesuspectattheSuper8MotelinUnion  = City. ThevehiclewasfoundbackeduptoRoom127,andthewindowscreenhadbeentornfrom !'  thewindowoutsideRoom127.  "!   DerrickODell,apatrolofficerwiththeUnionCityPoliceDepartment,testifiedthathe $# respondedtoinformationthattheallegedvehiclewasattheSuper8Motel. Uponarrivingatthe {% $ motel,OfficerODell satuponthesoutheastcornerofthebuildingwhere[he]couldobservethe d&!% backofthebuildingandalsotheeasterndoor. Shortlythereafter,heobservedawhitemaleexiting M'"& thebuilding;themanwascarryingtwoWalMartbags. Themanwalkedtowardthedumpster. 7(#'  OfficerODellthenapproachedthemanandtalkedwithhim. Themanidentifiedhimselfas  )p$( GeorgeandstatedthathewasfromFlorida. Anotherofficerarrived,andatthistime,themans  *Z%) identitywasrevealedasStevenThacker.Thed efendantwasthentransportedtotheObionCounty *D&* Jail.  +-'+    UponasearchofRoom127attheSuper8Motel,officersdiscovered [s]everalitems...  belongingtothevictim,includingseveralcreditcardsinthevictimsname,a.25caliberautomatic  pistol...,hairdye,andnumerousotheritems.Someitemswerebloodstained. Onthebed, k officersdiscovered acoupleofknivesandcigarettesand[anAmericanExpresscreditcardinMr. T Pattersonsname.]  Twocoats,oneagreenCarhartcoat,theotherabrowncoat,wereseizedfrom =  themotelroomandsenttotheTennesseeBureauofInvestigation.  ' w   TinaCanada,themanagerattheB&BMarketatBigBoyJunctioninDyersburg,wasat  H workonSunday,January2,2000,tocatchuponsomepaperwork. Sherecalledamancominginto  1  thestoretopurchaseantifreeze. Themanalsoaskedanelderlygentleman,SamBrown,whether    therewasanoutsidewaterfaucet. Themantriedtoputwaterintothecar,andthenheaskedMr.   BrownfordirectionstoAutoZone. Ms.Canadarecalledthatthemanwascalm; hewasnot   agitated,wasnotjittery,wasnotnervous,justconcernedaboutgettinghiscarfixed. Themanthen   leftthestore,headingbacktowardtown.  Ms.Canadadidnotspecificallyidentifythedefendant. p     MichaelL.Parson,thesheriffofPolkCounty,Missouri,wascontactedbytheDyersburg A PoliceDepartmentregardingthecreditcardissuedtoForrestBoyd. SheriffParsonverifiedthat *z ForrestBoydwasaresidentofPolkCountyandthatMr.BoydwasnotinDyerCounty,Tennessee. d  Headdedthat anyonethathadhiscreditcardorvehicleinDyerCounty,Tennesseewouldhave M beenunauthorized. SheriffParsonstatedthatheadvisedTennesseeauthoritiesthatStevenRay 6 ThackermaybeinpossessionofMr.Boydscreditcardandvehicle. HedescribedMr.Boyds  vehicleasa mideighties...1985OldsmobileCutlass,burgundyincolor...licenseplates...  540JBJ.     InvestigatorMontyEssary,oftheDyersburgPoliceDepartment,testifiedthat,inaddition t tootherinvestigatoryduties,heaccompaniedthevictimsbody  totheMethodistHospitalmorgue. ]  Atthemorgue,heremovedthevictimsclothing,includingtwobloodstainedshirts. Theclothing F wasbaggedandsenttotheTennesseeBureauofInvestigation(TBI)CrimeLab. InvestigatorEssary / alsowenttoRoom127attheUnionCitySuper8Motel. Inthehotelroom,Essaryrecoveredagreen i CarhartcoatandapairofblackDanPostboots,whichwerepackagedandsenttotheTBICrime  R Lab. AbloodsamplefromStevenThackerwasobtainedattheMethodistHospitalemergencyroom.  ;  ThesamplewasforwardedtotheTBICrimeLab. A Buckfiveandahalfinchknifewas !$  recoveredfromtheredPontiacFirebirdandsenttothecrimelab. InvestigatorEssaryrelatedthat " ! hereceivedaDNAreportontheabovementioneditems. ThereportreflectsthattheDNAobtained #" fromthebloodonthevictimsshirtmatchedtheDNAobtainedfrombloodontheknife,theCarhart $# coat,andtheboots.  y% $     InvestigatorJimmyGray,oftheDyersburgPoliceDepartment,statedthatheassistedinthe J'"& investigationofthevictimsdeath. InvestigatorGraylocatedaredPontiacFirebirdatT&TAuto 3(#' Sales,abusinessownedbyTimmyCapps. ThevehiclehadbeeninthepossessionofStevenRay )l$( Thackeratsomepoint. AprescriptionbottlebelongingtoaRachelBoydwasalsofoundinthe *V%) vehicle.  *?&*   +('+   DyersburgPoliceOfficerJimPorterrelatedthathehadknownthevictimforabouttwenty  years. Hedescribedthevictimasapproximately 59or510...Rayprobablyweighed200  pounds,orso. OfficerPorteralsostatedthatheparticipatedintheinvestigationofthevictims  death.OfficerPorterdescribedStevenRayThackeras over6foottall,230,240pounds. He m furtherrelatedthat,uponbeingbroughttotheDyersburgPoliceDepartment,thedefendant was V takentothecriminalinvestigationdivision,whichisinthebasementofthepolicedepartment. ?   OfficerPorterfirstencounteredthedefendantinthehallwayfromthebackdoortothecriminal ( x investigationdivisionand directedthedefendantintoaninterviewroom.   a    Thedefendantwasadvisedofhisrights;heacknowledgedthatheunderstoodthoserights,  3  andhevoluntarilywaivedthesame.Thedefendantalsostatedthathewishedtowaivehisrightto    anattorney. Thed efendantthenprovidedastatementinwhichheprovidedthefollowingdetails.   ThedefendantstatedthathelefthishomeinChouteau,Oklahoma,onaboutDecember28,1999,   and traveledtoSpringfield,Missouri. HeleftSpringfieldonDecember31,andheadedto   Dyersburg,Tennessee. Hestatedthathiscarbrokedown twoandahalfmilesthissideofthe r  MississippiRiver.  Someguypicked[him]up...andtook[himtoDyersburg.]  Herelatedthat \  themandroppedhimoffatatruckstopandthatiswhenhecalledPattersonstotowthevehicle. F  Thackerstatedthatthevictimtowedthevehicletohisstation. Thedefendantthenrelatedthat, /  [w]ell,hewasntgonnagivemycredit!mycardbackcauseIcouldntpaythebill.AndIknew h Iwaswantedinotherstates,soIjuststabbedhimandtookoff. Heexplainedthathestabbedthe Q victimwhilethevictimwasfacingthecreditcardmachine.Thevictimturnedaroundandattempted : topullhisgunout,butthedefendanthidbehindatruck. Thevictimthenranoutintotheparking # lottowardsthetowtruckandfellontheground.  Thackermovedthewreckerofftheproperty,   returnedtothestation,and drug[Patterson]intothebuilding,andthenIguessItookofffromthere  andgotthetowtruckanddroveoutintothecountry.      ThedefendantexplainedthathelatertradedtheOldsmobileCutlassthathewasdrivingfor a aCamaro,butthatvehiclehadproblemssohetookitback. Hestatedthattheknifeheusedtostab J thevictimwasprobablyinthatvehicle. HeultimatelyendedupwithaPontiac6000. Shortlyafter 4 themurder,thedefendantwenttoalocalWendysrestaurantandpurchasedasandwich. Hethen n drovetoUnionCityandcheckedintoaroomattheSuper8Motel. Thackeradmittedtotakingthe  W victimswalletandhandgunfromhispersonafterhepulledhisbodybackintothebuilding.   A  Approximatelyeightydollarsandsomecreditcardswereinthevictimswallet. Healsotookthe !*  wrecker,becausehisvehiclewasstillontheback. Thewreckerwaseventuallyabandonedinthe "! woodsafterThackerdiscoveredhowtogethiscaroffthewrecker.  #"   ThackerstatedthathewasplanningtodrivetotheSmokyMountainstogocamping. He ~% $ furtherstatedthathegottheOldsmobileCutlassfromBoyd. Helikewiseacquiredsomecamping g&!% gearandtheknifethatwasusedtostabthevictimfromBoyd.   Q'"& 8  @  "   B.PenaltyPhase #)s$(   SheriffMikeParsonofPolkCounty,Missouri,testifiedthat,onJanuary2,2000,therewere *G&* outstandingwarrantsforthearrestofStevenRayThackerinPolkCounty.  JimPorter,acriminal +0'+ investigatorwiththeDyersburgPoliceDepartment,relatedthat,duringthestatementmadebythe  defendant,hestatedthathe knew[he]waswantedinotherstates,so[he]juststabbedhimandtook  off.      ElizabethPatterson,thevictimswidow,statedthatsheandthevictimhadbeenmarriedfor T thirtyfiveyearsatthetimeofhisdeath.  Thecouplehadthreegrownchildren.  Mrs.Patterson =  relatedthatherhusbandwashersolesourceoffinancialsupportpriortohismurder. Sincehis & v death,Mrs.Pattersonhashadnoincome,andshehadtoborrowmoneytopayfortheirgravesites.  `  Shefurtherexplainedthatshewasforcedtoborrowmoneyuntilshereceivedtheinsurance  I proceeds.  Mrs.Pattersonstated, Ilostmybestfriendandcompanion.AndIcantsleepatnight  2  inmybed.Isleeponmycouch.       Mrs.Pattersondescribedherhusbandas agoodman.HewasagoodChristianman.He   wouldhelpanybodyout. Sheproceededtodescribeincidentsofwhereherhusbandwouldtow   peopleforfree.  r    Oncrossexamination,Mrs.Pattersonstatedthatherhusbandearnedapproximately$15,000 D peryearattheservicestation. Shealsostatedthatshereceived$250,000fromherhusbandslife -} insurancepolicy.  f   Inmitigation,thedefendantpresentedthetestimonyofKimberlyBowen,aresidentof 8 Huntington,WestVirginia,whostatedthatfrom1994until1997,sheandthedefendant were ! mates.Welivedtogether,laughedtogether,criedtogether,alloftheabove. Shestatedthat,during   thistime,theDefendant workedavarietyofthings.Iactuallymethimwhenheworkedwithme  atRedLobster....Andthen,hewentontogetintotheconstructionbusiness. Indescribingthe  defendant,Ms.Bowenstated: v 8  Stevemademelaughalot.Hewasvery,verytenderwithmeandmykids. _ Probablythebestexamplewouldbewhenhewentintoconstructionandwouldbe H goneforaweekortwoatatime,hewouldplantnotesthroughoutthehouse,cause 1 heknewthatIdgointothebilldrawertopaybillsonedayandtheredbealittle j notelettingmeknowthathemissedme,or,youknow,inthelaundryroom.Itdidnt  S reallymatter,youknow,justlittlespotsthathewouldhavelittlenotestoremindme  < ofhim.!%     Shefurtherdescribedthedefendantasselfless. Toillustrate,sheprovidedanaccountofthe "! defendantsaidtofloodvictimsinMilton,WestVirginia. Ms.Bowenstatedthatitalwaysseemed #" thatthedefendantwas seekingapproval. Shealsonoticedwhatshetermed revving. She $# explained: {% $ 8  Onceagain,eightypercentofthetime,itseemedtomelikeStevewasseeking d&!% approvalfromeverybodyaroundhim,butmaybetwentypercentofthetime,he M'"& wouldgetrevvedupandbe!hewouldntbeSteve.Inmyopinion,hewouldntbe 6(#' Steve.FromwhatIobserved,itwas!therewasalmostaregularcontingencytoit )o$( inthelatermonths,butthen,youknow,smallerbursts,itseemedtome.Throughout *X%) theyear,Ilearnedtoadaptwiththat.Butitstill!itaffectedourrelationship.It *A&* affecteditalmostregularlytothepointwhereIfeltlikeweneededtoseekhelpin +*'+ ordertostaytogether.      Ms.BowenstatedthattheysoughthelpatamentalhealthfacilityinHuntington,West  Virginia. Itwasherethattheylearnedthatthedefendanthadabipolarpersonality. Thedefendant l begantakinglithium,andMs.Bowenrelatedthatitappearedthatthemedicationwasworking. V  Therewasoneincidentwherethedefendantforgottotakehismedicationwithhimonatwoweek ?  job;thedefendant endedupinColumbus,tryingtogetback,andhekeptmissingtheturnoff,and ( x hekeptgoingfasterandfaster.Finally,theystoppedhimat140milesanhour.Andhewason  a high. Ms.Bowenadamantlydeniedthedefendantsuseofalcoholorillegaldrugs;shealsodenied  J anyexhibitionsofviolentbehavior.   3    WhenquestionedaboutthemurderinTennessee,Ms.Bowenstatedthattheactwasnotthe   actoftheSteveThackerthatsheknew. Indeed,shestatedthatitwas [s]opolaropposite.Its   frightening.      Oncrossexamination,Ms.Bowenstatedthatshehadtoldaninvestigatorthatthedefendant Y  hadseveremoodswings. Inthisregard,sheclarifiedthat thedepressionwastherev. She B explainedthathis highswerewhenhewastryingtoseekapproval;then,shedescribedthelows, +{ the revving,withperiodsofspendingspreesand theneedforsex. Shefurtherstatedthatthe d defendantvoluntarilystoppedtakinghismedication. Ms.Bowentestifiedthattheirrelationship N endedbecause itwasawearonmetoalwaysbe...thestable,youknow,homebase,ifyouwill. 8 IalwaysfeltlikeIwassomehowresponsibleforStevesabilityorinabilitytoactcorrectlywithin ! society.       Ms.BowenfurtheracknowledgedthatonDecember16,1999,thedefendanthadcontacted  her,toldherhewasmarriedandwasabouttogetadivorce,andstatedthathelovedher. The u defendantfurtherindicatedthat hewantedtocomeandseethekids.  ^   CrystalSt.Clair,alsoaresidentofHuntington,WestVirginia,statedthatshefirstmetthe / defendantin1993andthatthedefendantworkedwithherhusband. Mrs.St.Clairsaidthedefendant h wasoneofherbestfriends. Shestatedthatthedefendantwas acaring,givingperson.He  Q basicallygotalongwithmostanyone. Sheaddedthat hewasthetypeofpersonthatwouldtry  : tokeeptroubledownratherthancreatetrouble. Mrs.St.Clairtestifiedthatshethoughtenough !$  ofthedefendanttotrusthimwithherchildren. Shestatedthatsheneverworriedaboutherchildren "! whentheywerewiththedefendant. Mrs.St.ClairacknowledgedthatwhenthedefendantleftWest #" Virginiain1997,shelostcontactwithhim. Sheadvised,however,thatthey would periodically $# touchbasewitheachother. 򀀀  |% $   Oncrossexamination,Mrs.St.Clairadmittedthatshewasawareofthedefendants O'"& diagnosisofbipolardisorder,aswellashisvoluntarydecisiontodiscontinuemedication.  8(#'   RoxanneEvans,aresidentofNewCarlisle,Ohio,andthedefendantspaternalaunt,testified  *Z%) thatherbrotherwasintheAirForceandthatwhenthedefendantwastwoyearsold,thefamilywas *C&* transferredtoSpain. Whenthedefendantwasfouryearsold,hisparentsseparated. Afterthe +,'+ divorce,thedefendantsfathermovedinwithMs.Evans. Ms.Evanscouldnotrecallherbrother   doingalotofthingswiththechildren. Notwithstanding,atsomepoint,herbrotherdidgain  custodyofhisthreechildren:thedefendant;anoldersister,Sherry;andayoungersister,Nicole.    Thiswasshortlived,however,asherbrotherremarriedandhisnewwife couldntdealwiththe m childrenanymoreandliterallypackedtheirclothes,satthemontheporch,andwhenmybrother V camehomefromwork,toldhimthateitherthechildrenleft,orsheleft,and,atthatpoint,mybrother ?  tookthechildrenfrommymotheranddadshouse. Thedefendantsmotherwasnotaroundmuch. ( x  Despitetheabsenceofhisparents,thedefendantmaintainedacloserelationshipwithhis  b grandfather.   K   Asanadult,thedefendantcontactedhisauntandaskedifhecouldvisitthem. Thedefendant    wantedtogothroughfamilyphotographs; [f]amilywasrealimportanttoSteve. Duringthisvisit,   thedefendantdevelopedafriendshipwithhiscousin,David. Sincethattime,thedefendanthas   maintainedcontactwiththefamilybywritingletters,sendingholidaycards,andother   correspondence.  t    Ms.Evansrelatedthat,asachild,thedefendant wasalwaysveryquiet,whatIwouldsay F wasintroverted. Sheaddedthatthedefendantwasvery affectionate. Sherelatedthedefendants / behaviorasachildas hungryforacceptance,hungryforattention. Ms.Evansconcludedby i statingthat: S 8  Hesaverylovingandcaringperson.Hehasaproblem,andIbelievethatina < controlledsituationthathecouldliveasemiproductivelife,andIbelievethat % somehowGodcouldusehistalents.Hesanextremelygiftedartist.Ibelievethat  Godcouldusehistalentsmaybetotouchsomeonesomewhere,evenifitisina  prison.      GloriaShettles,aninvestigatorwithInquisitor,Incorporated,testifiedthatthereisno a differenceincostbetweenhousinganinmateondeathrowcomparedtohousinganyother J maximumsecurityprisoner.  3   Asitsfinalwitness,thedefensepresentedthetestimonyofDr.KeithAllenCaruso,a  T forensicpsychiatrist.  Dr.CarusointerviewedthedefendantonJuly17,2001;inaddition,he  =  reviewedalotofotherdocumentsrelativetothiscase. Basedoninformationfromthesesessions, !&  Dr.Carusowasabletomakethefollowingconclusion: "! 8  IbelievethatMr.Thackerhasanumberofconditions,thefirstofwhichisbipolar #" disorder.Itsmorecommonlyknownasmanicdepressiveillness.Essentially,thats $# amooddisorderwheresomeonesemotionalstatemaycyclefromdepression,where z% $ someonessadandblueandisfeelingverytiredandisunabletosleep,maythink c&!% aboutsuicide,maynotbeeating,andthingsofthatnature.So,fromadepressive L'"& episode,theymaycycleuptoamanicorhypomanicepisodewheretheyrevery 5(#' excitable,theycanbeextremelyirritable,theycanbevery,veryimpulsiveandnot )n$( thinkthroughtheconsequencesoftheiractions.Theytendtobeverydistractible *W%) andfollowwhateveroccurstothemataparticularmoment.Theymayhave *@&* tremendousamountsofenergyandfeelveryagitatedandeithernotbeabletosleep +)'+ ornotneedtosleep.Theymayalsohavetheirthoughtsracingagreatdealwhere  theyjumpfromonethoughttothenext,tothenext,tothenext.Thesefolks!this  isanepisodiccondition,meaningthattherearetimeswhentherearedepressive  episodes,therearetimeswhentherearemanicorhypomanicepisodes,andthe k differencebetweenmanicepisodesandhypomanicepisodesisprettymuchthat T duringahypomanicepisode,someonesnotquiteasseverelyimpairedastheyare =  duringafullmanicepisodewheretheymayactuallyhearthings,orseethings,or & v developdelusionalbeliefs,inotherwords,beliefsthatarereallynotbasedinreality.  _ So,someonemaycyclebetweentheseepisodes,andtheremaybeperiods,also,in  H betweenthattheymayreturntonormalfunctioning. 1      ...      8   ` Inaddition,Mr.Thacker...alsohasahistoryofalcoholdependencethathas   beeninremissionsincehesbeeninconfinement,andahistoryofpolysubstance   dependencewherehehadabusedanumberofdifferentdrugs.Thathasbeenin   remissionsincehewentthroughrehabinhisteenyears.Healsohasapersonality o  disorderwithborderlineandantisocialtraits.Essentially,apersonalitydisorderis X  aconditionthatsomeonemayhavethatcharacterizeshowtheygenerallyfunction A inmostsituations,and,generally,itsapersonalitydisorderiftheybecomerather *z fixedinsomeofthebehaviorsthattheyuse....Peoplewithpersonalitydisorders c tendtobekindofrigidinthethingsthattheydoandtheytendtothinkaboutthe L worldalittlebitdifferently.Theytendtohaveproblems!someproblemswiththeir 5 emotionalstates,aswell.Theytendtohaveproblemscontrollingtheirbehaviorand  behavinginmaladaptiveways,aswell,althoughIthinkalotofMr.Thackers  problemswithhisemotionalstateandthewaythathesthoughtaboutandtheway  thathedbeenthinking,particulararoundthetimeoftheoffense,weremoreaffected  bythebipolardisorder.r    Withregardtothemurderofthevictim,Dr.Carusostated, Ithinkthiscrimewasaconvergence [ ofmanyfactors.IthinkthattherearesomethingsdatingbacktoMr.Thackerschildhoodthatput D himonthepaththathewoundupheretoday.  -}    Dr.Carusostatedthatthedefendantsmentalconditionmaybetreatedwitha mood N stabilizingmedicationlikelithium. Dr.Carusoacknowledgedthatthedefendanthadpreviously  7 beenprescribedlithiumforhisbipolardisorderbutvoluntarilystoppedtakingthemedication. He !   statedthatoncethedefendantstoppedtakingthemedication,hebecameillagain,and thecycling " ! ofthemooddisordercontinues. Dr.Carusoconcludedthatthedefendant wassufferingfroma #" hypomanicepisode[atthetimeofthiscrime]. Heelaborated: $# 8  Well,Ithinkthatbipolardisorderistheseverementaldisease.Ithink,inaddition, u% $ therewasextremementaloremotionaldisturbance.Infact,therewereanumberof ^&!% stressors,basedonMr.Thackershistoryofabandonmentandrejection,wouldagain G'"& provokehimintoastateofextremeemotionaldisturbance,inadditiontothe 0(#' underlyingmentaldisorderthathehas,inadditiontothebipolardisorder. 򀀀  @ )i$(      Oncrossexamination,Dr.CarusostatedthatapproximatelytwopercentoftheUnited *;&* Statespopulationsuffersfrombipolardisorder. Hefurtherstatedthat,ofthosepersonsona +$'+ regimenofmoodstabilizingmedication,  twothirdstothreequartersoffolksfunctionnormally  insociety. Herelatedthatthebiggestproblemwithtreatingbipolardisorderisthatthepatientsare  noncompliantwiththemedicationtreatment. Whenquestionedregardingthedefendantsreasoning  forterminatingtreatmentwiththelithium,Dr.Carusoaffirmedthatthedefendantvoluntarily m stoppedtakingthedrugbecauseitslowedhimdowntoomuchandhedidnotliketheeffectithad V onhim.  ?    Dr.Carusofurtherconcededthatthedefendantwascompetenttostandtrialandthata  a defenseofinsanitycouldnotbesupportedinthiscase. Hefurtheradmittedthat [he]didntfeel  J thattherewasanythingherethatpreventedMr.Thackerfromformingthemensreaforthealleged  4  offenses. Inotherwords,thedefendant knewwhattheexpectedoutcomeofamurderwas;     [h]ewasabletoformamotiveforthatmurder,and [h]ewasabletounderstandthatthatmurder   waswrongandagainstthelaw.       TheinmaterecordsofStevenRayThackerfromRiverbendMaximumSecurityInstitution q  inNashvillewereenteredintoevidence,revealingthatthedefendant hashadnodisciplinary Z  reportsinhistwoyearsojournthere.  C Ѐ  ,|   Atthecloseoftheproof,thejurywasinstructedonthefollowingstatutoryaggravating d circumstances: M $, XX$ X X0 4  (1)Themurderwascommittedforthepurposeofavoiding,interferingwith,or 6 preventingalawfularrestorprosecutionofthedefendant;4 4  0 4  (2)Themurderwasknowinglycommittedbythedefendantwhilethedefendanthad  asubstantialroleincommittingorwasfleeingafterhavingasubstantialrolein  committingatheft.4 4  ( X, X9( X] Xk  SeeTenn.CodeAnn.3913204(i)(6),(7).Thetrialcourtadditionallyinstructedthejuryasto s applicablemitigatingcircumstances,asfollows: \ 8  Tennesseelawprovidesthatinarrivingatthepunishment,thejuryshallconsider. E ..anymitigatingcircumstancesraisedbytheevidencewhichshallinclude,butare .~ notlimitedto,thefollowing:(1)thecrimewascommittedwhilethedefendantwas g sufferingfromextremementalandemotionaldisturbanceduetohisbipolardisorder,  P hypomanicepisode,superimposeduponpersonalitydisorderNOSwithborderline  9 andantisocialtraits,particularlyexacerbatedbyfeelingsofabandonmentand !"  anticipatedloss.Number2,thecrimewascommittedwhilethedefendantwas " ! sufferingfromseverementaldisease,bipolardisorder,hypomanicepisode,which #" substantiallyimpairedhiscapacitytocontrolhisbehavior.Number3,anyother $# mitigatingfactorwhichisraisedbytheevidenceproducedbyeithertheprosecution v% $ ordefenseateithertheguiltorsentencinghearing,thatis,youshallconsiderany _&!% aspectofthedefendantscharacterorrecord,oranyaspectofthecircumstancesof H'"& theoffensefavorabletothedefendantwhichissupportedbytheevidence.1(#'    SeeTenn.CodeAnn.3913204(j)(2),(9).  Afterreceivingfurtherinstructionsfromthecourt, )j$( thejurorsretiredfromopencourttobegintheirdeliberations. Inlessthantwohours,thejury *S%) returnedwithitsverdictofdeath,findingthattheStatehadprovenbothstatutoryaggravating *=&* circumstancesbeyondareasonabledoubtandthattheseaggravatingcircumstancesoutweighedany +&'+ mitigatingcircumstancesbeyondareasonabledoubt.    @! I.CHANGEOFVENUE    OnAugust9,2000,thedefendantfiledamotionforachangeofvenuebasedongroundsthat V thewidespreadpretrialpublicityinDyerCountyandcontiguouscountieshadresultedinundue ?  excitementagainstthedefendantthatwouldprejudiceafairtrialonthemerits.  Ahearingonthe ( x motionwasconductedonAugust25,2000.Atthehearing,RachelJacobs,aninvestigatorwith  a Inquisitor,Inc.,testifiedthatsheresearchedthevarioussourcesofmediaintheareaandobtained  J packetsfromtheCommercialAppeal,theDyersburgNews,theStateGazette,andtheTennessean  3  newspapers,aswellasfromnewspapersinSpringfield,Missouri,andTulsa,Oklahoma.  The    collectionofarticleswasextensiveandwassubmittedasevidence.  Ms.Jacobssresearchofthe   videomediafromMemphisareatelevisionstationsrevealedthatsixtynineseparatesegmentson   thissubjecthadbeenairedfromthedateofthedefendantsarrestuntilJuly18,2000,theday   precedinghertestimony.   p    Ms.JacobsstatedthatsheandanotherinvestigatorfromInquisitorconductedarandom B surveyinDyerCountyconcerningthepopulationsexposuretothedefendantscase.  Thirtytwo +{ personswerepolled,andofthethirtytwo,approximatelytwothirdshadknowledgeaboutthecase. d   Ofthethirtytwopeople,fortytwopercentstatedthattheydidnotbelievethatMr.Thackercould M receiveafairtrialinDyerCounty.   6   Ms.JacobsperformedasimilarstudyinneighboringLakeCounty.  Ms.Jacobsdiscovered  thattheresidentsofLakeCountyreceivedinformationfrombasicallythesamemediasourcesas  residentsofDyerCounty.  Ms.Jacobsadmittedoncrossexaminationthatshedidnotconductapoll  ofLakeCountyresidents.   s   Attheconclusionofthehearing,thetrialcourtenteredthefollowingfindings,inrelevant E part: .~ 8  [U]nderthecircumstances,wherebothsidesfeellikeachangeofvenueis g appropriate...itwouldbesomewhatamissformenottograntachangeofvenue.  P So,Ithinkthewayweredeal[sic]withthatisthis:Yourmotion,asfarasthe  9 changeofvenue,willbegrantedinthattheCourtwillfollowtheRulesofCriminal !"  Procedurefirst,whichwouldmeanachangeofvenuetoLakeCounty.Iwillallow " ! you...ifyoufeellikethatssomethingthatwill!thatyouneedtointroducesome #" additionalproofonatalatertime,wewillallowyoutodoso....Again,itsnot $# somethingthatswritteninconcreteatthispoint.Imnotconvinced!Idontknow v% $ thatwehaveevidencethatwouldindicatethatajurypooloutofLakeCountywould _&!% betainted.Idontknowforsurewhetherornotwewillbebetterhavingthetrialin H'"& LakeCountyorthetrialwithaLakeCounty[jury]here....Illjusthavetotakethat 1(#' underadvisement....Idontthinkthepublicityhasbeensuchthatwecannotseat )j$( animpartialjuryfromLakeCounty,LauderdaleCounty,orGibsonCounty,andId *S%) wanttotalktothejudgesdownthereabouthowwewoulddothat,ifwedidit.So, *<&* theprocessthatwillbefollowedwillbetakenunderadvisement,butwewillhave +%'+ achangeofvenue....     ThetrialcourtthenorderedthatvenuewastobechangedtoLakeCounty.      OnMay15,2001,thetrialcourtrevisitedthe changeofvenueissue.Thedefendant k presentedLeighAnneHudgings,aninvestigatorwithInquisitor,Inc.,totestifyregardingherstudy T astowhethertheLakeCountyjurypoolwastainted.  Ms.Hudgingsconductedarandomsampling =  ofninetysevenLakeCountyresidents.  Theresultsofthesurveyreflectedthatoverhalfofthe & v peoplesurveyed,51.1%,hadpriorknowledgeofthecrime.  Ofthe51.1%,46%,oroneoutofevery  _ fourpersonssurveyed,hadalreadyformedopinionsofthecase.  Oncrossexamination,Ms.  H Hudgingsadmittedthatshedidnotattempttodeterminewhetherornotthosepersonspolledwere  1  actuallyqualifiedtositonajurypanel.        EvanJones,editorandpublisheroftheLakeCountyBanner,testifiedonbehalfoftheState.   Mr.JonesstatedthattheLakeCountyBannerprovidedweeklynewstotheresidentsofLake   County.  HeaddedthatLakeCountytelevisionmarketsweregenerallyWPSDinPaducah, n  Kentucky,andthestationinCapeGirardeau.  Mr.JonesexplainedthatwhileDyerCountyfollowed W  theMemphistelevisionstations,LakeandObionCountywatchthePaducahandCapeGirardeau @ stations.  HeaddedthatKMIS,aMissouriradiostation,broadcastsLakeCountyfootballgames.  )y    Withregardtothedefendantscase,Mr.JonestestifiedthattheLakeCountyBannerhad K onlyprintedtwostoriesaboutStevenThackerinthepastcalendaryear.  OnestoryranJanuary5, 4 2000;theotheronAugust30,2000.  Bothstoriesranonthefrontpage.      Afterhearingargumentfromcounsel,thetrialcourtmadethefollowingfindings:  8  Idontthink...thatthereissufficientproofthatwouldindicatethatwecannotseat  ajurythatcanbefairandimpartialfromLakeCountyresidents.Again,theworse q casescenarioisthatoneoutoffourhaseitherformedorexpressedanopinion.We Z canpullabigenoughjurypool,Ithink,wherewecanseattwelvemenorwomen C whohavenotformedor!expressedorformedanyopinionastoguiltorinnocence ,| inthiscase,andcanhaveatrialfromwhichthejurycanfindthatissuesolelyand e alonefromtheevidencethatsintroduced,andfromthelawthatschargedbythe N Court.So,yourmotionwillbedenied.... 7     Thedefendantnowcomplainsthatthetrialcourt erredgrievouslyinhisassessmentand " ! understandingoftheevidenceintroducedby[thedefendant]atthishearing.  Hecontendsthat no #" matterifyoudopullabigenoughjurypool,still,accordingtostatisticalsurvey,therewillstillbe $# oneoutoffourLakeCountianswhobelievethedefendantisguilty!Thed  efendantstatesthat the t% $ refusalofthe...trialcourttogranttheproperchangeofvenuehasdeprived[him]ofafairtrialby ]&!% animpartialjuryofhispeers.  h S'"F'" SXXc.N '"&  L !"(03S?+ ` hp x X?#NXc.XN##Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc. XS()x$(%$#Xc.XXNXc.>#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Thedecisionofwhethertograntamotionforachangeofvenuebasedonpretrialpublicity ()x$' restswithinthesounddiscretionofthetrialcourtandwillnotbereversedonappealabsentaclear *a%( abuseofdiscretion.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Howell,#Xc.XXNXc.(#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ868S.W.2d238,249(Tenn.1993).Furthermore,the *J&) defendantmustshowthatthejurorswerebiasedorprejudicedagainsthimbeforehisconvictionwill +3'* Oa    beoverturnedonappeal.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Melson,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ638S.W.2d342,36061(Tenn.1992).Thedefendant  contendsthatthetrialcourtfailedtodeterminewhether afairtrialprobablycouldnotbehadas  requiredby#Xc.XXNXc.P#NXc.XXXc.Rule21(a),TennesseeRulesofCriminalProcedure,whichprovides:  8   ` Inallcriminalprosecutionsthevenue#Xc.XXNXc.g#NXc.XXXc.may#Xc.XXNXc.E#NXc.XXXc.Ԁbechangeduponmotionofthe k defendant,oruponthecourtsownmotionwiththeconsentofthedefendant,ifit T appearstothecourtthat,duetoundueexcitementagainstthedefendantinthecounty =  wheretheoffensewascommittedoranyothercause,afairtrial% Q #Xc.XXNXc.#%QNXc.XXXc.probablycouldnot & v behad. _    X](Emphasisadded);#Xc.XXNXc.6#NXc.XXXc.seealso#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Tenn.CodeAnn.#Xc.XXNXc.=#NXc.XXXc.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.204201(1)(statingvenue #Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.may#Xc.XXNXc.>#NXc.XXXc.Ԁbechanged... K  upongoodcauseshown)(emphasisadded).Rule21furtherprovides: 4   8   ` Inamulticountyjudicialcircuitachangeofvenueshallbetothenearest p  countyinthejudicialcircuitinwhichtheprosecutionispendingwherethesame Y  causeforchangeofvenuedoesnotexist.Ifthesamecauseforchangeofvenue B  existsinallothercountiesinthejudicialcircuit,thevenueshallbechangedtothe +{  nearestcountywherethesamecauseforchangeofvenuedoesnotexist.d    Tenn.R.Crim.P.21(c). P __ԀS/#Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.  Jurorsneednotbetotallyignorantofthefactsandissuesinvolvedinacaseuponwhichthey / aresitting,buttheymustbeabletolayasidetheiropinionsorimpressionsandrenderaverdict  basedupontheevidencepresented.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Bates,#Xc.XXNXc.d#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ804S.W.2d868,877(Tenn.1991).#Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Mere  exposuretonewsaccountsoftheincidentdoesnot,standingalone,establishbiasorprejudice.State  v.Crenshaw,64S.W.3d374,386(Tenn.Crim.App.2001)#Xc.XXNXc.i# SXXc.N.#NXc.XN#Th#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.etestis whetherthejurorswho  actuallysatandrenderedverdictswereprejudicedbythepretrialpublicity.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Kyger,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ787 l S.W.2d13,1819(Tenn.Crim.App.1989).Theburdenofproofisonthedefendant.#Xc.XXNXc.M#NXc.XXXc.Id.;Statev. U Garland,#Xc.XXNXc.#617S.W.2d176,187(Tenn.Crim.App.1981). >   Thedefendant,inadditiontocitingtonumerousnewspaperarticlesandtelevisionsegments, ` describedas extremelysensational,attentiongrabbingwordsandpictures,assertsthattheshort I amountoftimethejurydeliberatedatboththeguiltandpenaltyphaseswas unconscionableand 2 indicativethatthejurorsweretaintedbypretrialpublicity, whethertheywereclearlyawareofit  ornot.  However,tNXc.XXXc.hedefendanthasnotcitedanyauthorityinsupportofhiscontentionthatthe   brevityofthejurysdeliberationsindicatedprejudiceorcaprice.Anglinv.State,553S.W.2d616, ! 62021(Tenn.Crim.App.1977),cert.denied,(Tenn.June6,1977),statesthatbrevityofthetime " ofdeliberationdoesnotindicatepassion,prejudice,caprice,ormisconductonthepartofthejury. o#  GuidedbyAnglin,werejectthedefendantscontentionthattheshortamountoftimethejury X$! deliberatedisproofofbeingtaintedbypretrialpublicity. A% "   T#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.herecordrevealsthatthedefendantusedonlyfourofhissixteenperemptorychallenges. 'c"$  Ithasbeengenerallyrecognizedasaruleinthisstatethatthefailuretochallengeforcauseorthe 'L#% failuretouseanyavailableperemptorychallengetoremoveobjectionablejurorsprecludesreliance (5$& upontheallegeddisqualificationsofjurorsonappeal.SeeAdamsv.State,563S.W.2d804,807 )%' (Tenn.Crim.App.1978),cert.denied,(Tenn.Apr.10,1978)(citingSommervillev.State,521 *&( S.W.2d792(Tenn.1975)).Moreover,despitehisargumentthattheextensiveand sensational +&) coveragebythemediadeniedhimafairtrial,thedefendanthasfailedtodirectthisCourttoany  specificportionoftherecord,inparticularthevoirdireexaminationofthejurors,indicatingthe  biasedcharacterofthejurorsactuallyselected.Onewhoisreasonablysuspectedofmurdercannot  expecttoremainanonymous.Withconsiderationofthedefendantsfailuretoexhaustall k peremptorychallenges,thecarefulsupervisionofvoirdirebythetrialcourt,andtheassertionby T thejurorsthattheycouldandwouldgivethedefendantafairandimpartialtrial,wecannotconclude =  thatthetrialcourtabuseditsdiscretioninremovingthecasetoLakeCounty.Thisclaimiswithout & v merit.#Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.  _ #Xc.XXNXc.#   @o o II.REDACTEDSTATEMENTOFDEFENDANT  2    PriortothetestimonyofStateswitnessJimPorter,theprosecutiondiscussedthemanner   inwhichthedefendantsconfessionwouldbeintroducedandtheproblemswithredactedportions   ofthestatement.  Atypedtranscriptwasused,andthetrialcourtpermitted,overdefenseobjection,   copiesofthetranscripttobepassedtojurorstoreadalongwithInvestigatorPorter.  Thetrialcourt r  observedthattherecordneededtoreflectthatthereisa recordedstatement...writtenstatement [  thatwehave[that]hasbeenredactedtotakeoutanyreferencetoanycrimeotherthanthisparticular D RayPattersoncrime.  Itwasunderstoodthattheredactedportionofthestatementwouldnotbe -} readtothejury. f   ThedefendantnowcomplainsthatInvestigatorPorterwasimproperlypermittedtoreadinto 8 evidencethefollowingredactedportionsofThackersstatement: ! 8  DEFENDANT:0  Andafterheranthecreditcardnumberthrough,!hegot   throughandprettymuchknowwhathappenedfromthere.     PORTER:0 0 (# (#Well,Iwantyoutotellme.(#(# 0  DEFENDANT:0(#(#Well,hewasntgonnagivemycredit!mycardbackcauseI u couldntpaythebill.^(#(#   PORTER:0 0 (# (#Okay.G(#(#   DEFENDANT:0  AndIknewIwaswantedinotherstates,soIjuststabbedhimand 0 tookoff.    i(#(# 8  8`      ... R` x` x   PORTER:0 0 (# (#Camping?Okay.Okay,wheredidyougetthisOldsmobileCutlass,  ; Steve?!$ (#(#   DEFENDANT:0  FromBoyd.ThatwashisCutlass." !(#(#   PORTER:0 0 (# (#Youtakeanythingfromthathouse!hishouse?#"(#(#   DEFENDANT:0  Justsomecampinggear,andthatswheretheknifecamefromthat $# IstabbedPattersonwith.x% $(#(# (Emphasisadded.)  Thedefendantsubmitsthat theerrorofthetrial[c]ourtinallowingthe a&!% improperlyredactedstatementtobereadinopen[c]ourttothejury,andtheprosecutorial J'"& misconductoftheDistrictAttorneyGeneralinpresentingandelicitingtheharmfultestimonyfrom 3(#' InvestigatorPorter,constituteharmful,reversibleerror.Thedefendantfurthercomplainsthatthe )l$( prosecutionsuseofthesestatementsduringclosingargumentalsoconstitutesreversibleerror.In *U%) thisregard,thedefendantmaintainsthattheuseofthesestatementsareincontraventionofRule *>&* 404(b),TennesseeRulesofEvidence. +''+ Ї  TheStateinitiallyrespondsbyassertingthatanyobjectiontheretoiswaivedforfailureto  enteracontemporaneousobjectiontotheintroductionofthestatements.SeeTenn.R.App.P.36(a).  Thedefendantsfailuretoraiseacontemporaneousobjectiontothistestimonyasbeingapriorbad  acteffectivelywaivesthisissue.See,e.g.,Statev.Thompson,36S.W.3d102,108(Tenn.Crim. k App.2000),perm.toappealdenied(Tenn.Mar.17,2000);Statev.Adkisson,899S.W.2d626,635 T (Tenn.Crim.App.1994).Notwithstandingwaiver,weelecttoaddresstheissueonitsmerit. =    Sb  _ S?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Asageneralproposition,evidenceofadefendantspriorcrimes,wrongs,oractsisnot b  admissibletoprovethathecommittedthecrimeinquestion.Tenn.R.Evid.404.Therationale K  underlyingthegeneralruleisthatadmissionofsuchevidencecarrieswithittheinherentriskofthe 4   juryconvictingthedefendantofacrimebaseduponhisbadcharacterorpropensitytocommita m  crime,ratherthantheconvictionrestinguponthestrengthoftheevidence.#Xc.XXNXc. #NXc.XXXc.Statev.Rickman,#Xc.XXNXc.r#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ876 V  S.W.2d824,828(Tenn.1994).Theriskisgreaterwhenthedefendantspriorbadactsaresimilar ?  tothecrimeforwhichthedefendantisontrial.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Id.;seealsoStatev.McCary,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ922S.W.2d511,514 (  (Tenn.1996).Whilesuchevidenceusuallydoesnotcomeintheformofstatementsorconfessions   madebythedefendant,thereexistsnovalidreasontomakeanexceptiontotherequirementsfor   priorbadactevidencedisclosedinadefendantsconfession.   XEvidenceofadefendantspriorcrimes,wrongsoractsmaybeadmissiblewhereitis  [ probativeofmaterialissues#Xc.XXNXc.Z#NXc.XXXc.otherthan#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁconductconformingwithacharactertrait.Tenn.R.Evid. D 404(b).Thus,evidenceofacriminaldefendantscharactermaybecomeadmissiblewhenitlogically - tendstoprovematerialissueswhichfallintooneofthreecategories:(1)theuseof motiveand  commonschemeorplantoestablishidentity,(2)toestablishthedefendantsintentincommitting  theoffenseontrial,and(3)to rebutaclaimofmistakeoraccidentifassertedasadefense.  #Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.McCary,#Xc.XXNXc.s!#922S.W.2dat514.Inorderforsuchevidencetobeadmitted,therulespecifiesthree  prerequisites: j  X X% ] %]z"NXc.XXXc. X ,X0 4  (1)044 4 Thecourtuponrequestmustholdahearingoutsidethejuryspresence;4 4  (2)0 4 Thecourtmustdeterminethatamaterialissueexistsotherthanconduct 2 conformingwithacharactertraitandmustuponrequeststateontherecordthe  materialissue,theruling,andthereasonsforadmittingtheevidence;and 4 4  (3)0 4 Thecourtmustexcludetheevidenceifitsprobativevalueisoutweighedbythe !@ dangerofunfairprejudice.")4 4   Xl" X"" X,""Tenn.R.Evid.404(b).Afourthprerequisitetoadmissionisthatthecourtfindbyclearand $e  convincingevidencethatthedefendantcommittedtheothercrime.Tenn.R.Evid.404,Advisory $N ! CommnComment;#Xc.XXNXc."#NXc.XXXc.Statev.DuBose,#Xc.XXNXc.&#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ953S.W.2d649,654(Tenn.1997);#Xc.XXNXc.*'#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Parton,#Xc.XXNXc.'#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ694 %7!" S.W.2d299,303(Tenn.1985). & "#  Ѐ  Inreviewingatrialcourtsdecisiontoadmitorexcludeevidence,anappellatecourtmay (E$% disturbthelowercourtsrulingonlyiftherehasbeenanabuseofdiscretion.#Xc.XXNXc.'#NXc.XXXc.DuBose,#Xc.XXNXc.i)#NXc.XXXc.953S.W.2d ).%& at652;#Xc.XXNXc.)#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Baker,#Xc.XXNXc..*#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ785S.W.2d132,134(Tenn.Crim.App.1980).Wherethetrialcourthas *&' beencalledtopassupontheadmissibilityofevidenceofothercrimes,wrongs,oractsunderRule +'( 404(b),itsdeterminationisentitledtodeferencewhenithassubstantiallycompliedwiththe  proceduralrequisitesofRule404(b).#Xc.XXNXc.*#NXc.XXXc.SeeDuBose,#Xc.XXNXc.A,#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ953S.W.2dat652.  #Xc.XXNXc.,#NXc.XXXc.  Inthepresentcase,wefirstacknowledgethatthetrialcourtwasunabletoconductajuryout a hearingduetothedefendantsfailuretoobject.Notwithstanding,wearecognizantthatthetrial J courtstatedthattheconfessionhadbeenredactedtotakeoutanyreferencetoanycrimeotherthan  3 theinstantoffense.   @ A. AndIknewIwaswantedinotherstates,soIstabbedhim. D    Thisstatementisrelevanttoexplainthedefendantsmotiveforthemurderofthevictimand   thatthemurderwascommittedpremeditatively.Thestatementthathewaswantedinotherstates   didnotrevealthenatureoftheoffensesforwhichhewaswanted.Moreover,thestatementproved   arelevantnoncharacterpurpose,i.e.,hismotive,forstabbingthevictimwiththerequisitemental u  state.Motiveisarelevantcircumstantialfactthatreferstowhyadefendantdidwhathedid. ^ Evidenceofmotiveisoftenpertinentasthebasistoinferthattheactwascommitted,toprove G requisitementalstate,ortoprovetheidentityoftheactor.See22C.Wright&K.Graham,Jr., 0 FederalPracticeandProcedureEvidenceat479(1978).Indeed,thedefendantspossessionofa i motivestrengthenstheinferencethatthedeathofthevictimwascausedbyanintentionalactrather R thanbyanaturalaccident.Thereissufficientevidencetoshowthatthedefendants wantedstatus ; wasrelevanttoshowmotiveandthatmotivewasarelevantnoncharacterpurposeinthiscase.The $ Statedidnotseekitsintroductionforpropensitypurposes.Finally,inmakingariskversusbenefit   analysisinthiscase,wecannotconcludethattheprejudicialimpactofthestatementoutweighedits  probativevalue.#Xc.XXNXc.-#NXc.XXXc.Accordingly,theadmissionofthestatementwasnoterrornorwasthefactthatthe  prosecutorreferredtotheadmissionduringclosingargument. x   #Xc.XXNXc.5#NXc.XXXc.NXNXc.@  #NXc.XN6# B.StatementsMadeInReferencetoBoydsOldsmobileCutlass , |   Duringhisconfession,thedefendantrespondedthathegottheOldsmobileCutlassfrom " BoydandthathehadtakencampingequipmentfromBoydshouse.  Wecannotconcludethatthis # statementisevidenceofpriorbadacts.Thereisnoreferencetoanytheftonbehalfofthedefendant, u$ andthereisnoreferencetothemurderofForrestBoyd.Accordingly,therewasnoerrorinthe ^%  admissionofthestatementreferringtopropertytakenfromForrestBoyd.Anyclaimthatthe G&!! admissionorreferencetothisstatementwaserroriswithoutmerit. 0'""  ,?+ ` hp x X?#Xc.XXNXc.6#NXc.XXXc.  S#Xc.XXNXc.:#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ U)$$ #Xc.XXNXc.+;# @ VIII.TESTIMONYOFSHERIFFPARSON >*%% Ѐ    ,b''  , XPriortoSheriffMikeParsonofPolkCounty,Missouri,takingthestand,thedefenseobjected  andthefollowingcolloquyoccurred:   X< ,< X X,MR.STRAWN:0 0< ...Webelievethattheinformationthatsgoingtobe  elicitedfromhimhasalreadybeenelicitedfromother k witnesses.Wethinkthedangerofthejurybeingtainted T withapotentialcrimethatoccurredinanotherstateistoo =  great.& v< <  THECOURT:0 0< Whatsthepurposeofthiswitness? _< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < YourHonor.HeistheonewhoadvisedthemthatMr.  H Thacker!heistheonewhoadvisedthemthatMr.  1  Thackerwasasuspectwhenhewascalledaboutthe    creditcard,andthatThackerwouldbeinthecar.He   describedthecartothemandgavethemthelicense   number.Illbegladtoleadhim,YourHonor,andIhave   cautionedhimImonlygoingtoaskhimaboutthefact n  thatForrestBoydwasnotinTennesseeonJanuary2nd, W  thatMr.Thackerwasthoughttobeinpossession!wasa @ suspecttobeinpossessionofMr.Boydscreditcardand )y car,andthathegavethemadescriptionofthecarandthe b licensenumber.Imnotgoingtotouchanythingelse K withhim.4< <  THECOURT:0 0< Cantwesimply!yallarenotinapositionwhereyou  canstipulatethat?< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< ItsalreadyintherecordthatitsForrestBoydscard  layingtherebythemachine.Itsalreadybeentestifiedto.< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < ThatswhyIdontseeanyprejudiceinit,YourHonor. q Itestablisheshowtheyhadthatinformation.Z< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< Whatitsgoingtogetinis,itsgoingtogetinan C unconvictedpriorbadactofatheftinMissouri,without ,| question.Youknow,itsnotforanyotherpurpose.e< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < YourHonor,itgoestothequestionofpremeditation.He N knewthathewasoverhereinsomebodyelsescarand  7 withsomebodyelsescreditcard,andwhenthatcredit !   cardwasused,heknewitwasgonnacomebackasstolen." !< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< Thatsalreadyintherecord.#"< <  THECOURT:0 0< No,thatsnotintherecord.Theonlythingthatsinthe $# recordisthatheusedacreditcardthatsForrestBoyds.t% $< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< Unauthorized]&!%< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < No,sir,theresnothingintherecordonthatpoint.Thats F'"& whatwehavetoestablishthroughhim,thathewasnot /(#' authorizedtohaveForrestBoydscreditcard,andthe )h$( onlywaywecanestablishthat!*Q%)< <  THECOURT:0 0< Howcanhedothat?*:&*< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < Heactuallyknows.YourHonor,thatForrestBoydwas +#'+ deadatthatpoint,andheactuallyknowsaboutthe  homicide.Theywereawareofthehomicide.< <  MR.STRAWN:0 0< Youseehowgreatthedangerishere?k< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < ButImnotgoingtothatpoint,YourHonor,buthehad T knowledgethatthecreditcardwasstolen.= < <  8 4    < ...& v44 GENERALBIVENS:0 < Itgoestohispremeditation. _< <  THECOURT:0 0< !butitdoesgotheissueofpremeditation.Allright,Im  H goingtoletyouputitin,butbecareful,now.Being  1  carefulgoes!itsatwoedgedsword.Itgoesbothways.    Youcouldgetthewronginformationandenditona   mistrialhere. < <   4   8 < ... << THECOURT:0 0< Andbythesametoken,ifyousolicittheinformation!n < <  MR.STRAWN:0 0< YourHonor,wealmostcantevencrosshim,becauseits W  sodangerous....AndIthinkitstoodangerous.Its @ goingtogetinaprior!anunconvictedpriorbadact.)y< <  THECOURT:0 0< ThatswhyImaskingyouwhyyoucantstipulatethat b hehadorwasinpossessionofaForrestBoydcreditcard, K andhewasunauthorizedtouseit?4< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< Wecan.< <  THECOURT:0 0< Youcan?Thenwhatelsedoyouneedhimfor?< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < YourHonor,theyweretoldthat!hetoldthedescription  ofthevehicleandthelicenseplatenumber.Thatsthe  mainthing.IftheywanttostipulatethathehadForrest q Boydscarandcreditcardandwasunauthorized!Z< <  MR.KELLY:0 0< Whatshiscargottodo!identityisnotanissue.C< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < Still,YourHonor,itgoestothepremeditationandflight. ,| Thatsthecarthatwastowedhere.e< <  THECOURT:0 0< Idontknowthatyouhavetogetthecarintoit.N< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < Thatsthecarthatwastowedin,YourHonor.Otherwise,  7 thejuryisgoingtohavetheimpression,YourHonor,that !   hehadthiscaroverhereand!" !< <  MR.STRAWN:0 0< Itsthecreditcardthathessayinggoestopremeditation. #" Werestipulatingthatsunauthorized.$#< <  GENERALBIVENS:0 < No,sir,itsthecarandthecreditcard.Heknewhewas t% $ wantedbecauseofthat,YourHonor.]&!%< <  8 4    < ...F'"&44 GENERALBIVENS:0 < Thequestionispremeditation,YourHonor.Thequestion /(#' isThackerknewhewaswanted,knewthathewasand )h$( thatswhyhedidthis.Thatsinhisstatement,Your *Q%) Honor,justthestatementthatheknewhewaswantedis *:&* inhisconfession,notforwhat,butthatheknewhewas +#'+ wanted,andthatswhyhedidit.< <  THECOURT:0 0< Allright,Imgoingtoallowhimtotestify.Now,be  careful.< <   X< ,X<   X ,SheriffMikeParsontestified,duringtheguiltphase,thatForrestBoydwasaresidentof Polk T County,Missouri,onJanuary2,2000.  HefurtherstatedthatheadvisedDyerCountylaw @  enforcementthatMr.BoydwasnotinDyerCountyandthatanyonewhohadhiscreditcardor ) y vehicleinDyerCountywouldhavebeenunauthorized.  SheriffParsonrelatedadescriptionofMr.  b Boydsvehicle,includingprovidingthelicenseplatenumber.  TheSheriffaddedthatapersonby  L thenameofStevenRayThackermaybeinpossessionofboththecreditcardandthevehicle.   5       SheriffParsontestifiedagainatthesentencingphase.SheriffParsonstatedthatonJanuary   2,2000,therewereoutstandingwarrantsforthearrestofStevenRayThackerinPolkCounty,   Missouri.  HeaddedthathebelievedthatStevenRayThackerleftthestateofMissouriinForrest   Boydsvehicle.    p    4 ThedefendantcomplainsthatthetrialcourterredbyadmittingthetestimonyofSheriff E Parson.Thedefendantassertsthat(1)thetrialcourtfailedtoconductajuryouthearingasrequired .~ byRule404(b),TennesseeRulesofEvidence;(2)thedefenseagreedtostipulatetothefactthatthe g defendantwasinpossessionofForrestBoydscreditcardandwasunauthorizedtouseit;and(3) P theprejudicialeffectoftheSheriffstestimonyoutweighedanyprobativeeffectitmayhavehad. 9 Insupportofthesecontentions,thedefendantstatesthatthetestimonyofSheriffParsonwasneither " relevantnornecessary,becauseitwasalreadyintherecordthatthecreditcardofForrestBoydwas   lyingbesidethecashregisterinthePattersonservicestation.  Fromthis,hecontends,thejurors  couldinferthatthecreditcardwasstolen.  TheStaterespondsthattheevidencewasnecessaryto  showmotiveand,therefore,relevanttotheissueofpremeditation.   w  ` Thegeneralparametersregardingadmissibilityofadefendantsbadactsotherthanthecrime I ontrialisfoundinTennesseeRuleofEvidence404(b).Asstatedpreviously,evidenceofprior 2 crimes,wrongs,oractsisgenerallyinadmissibleascharacterevidenceofthedefendanttoprovethat k hecommittedthecrimeinquestion.Tenn.R.Evid.404(b).  T   = Asthedefenseargues,thedefendantsidentitywasnotatissue.Rather,theonlyissueinthis !&  matterwasthedegreeofhomicide,thedefendantsstateofmind. SB+ ` hp x XBNXc.XXXc.Rule404(b)providesthat "! evidenceofothercrimes,wrongs,oractsmaybeadmissibleforpurposesotherthantoprovethe #" characterofadefendant,onlyifcertainconditionsaremet: $#  X X X ,X(1)Thecourtupon#Xc.XXNXc.\h#NXc.XXXc.requestmustholda#Xc.XXNXc.i#NXc.XXXc.hearingoutsidethejuryspresence; %!$ 0 4  (2)Thecourtmustdeterminethatamaterialissueexistsotherthanconduct  'Y"% conformingwithacharactertraitandmustupon#Xc.XXNXc.Dj#NXc.XXXc.requeststateontherecordthe 'B#& materialissue,theruling,andthereasonsforadmittingtheevidence;and(+$'4 4  0 4  (3)Thecourtmustexcludetheevidenceifitsprobativevalueisoutweighedbythe *g%( dangerofunfairprejudice#Xc.XXNXc.lk#NXc.XXXc..+P&)4 4   Xi X~i Xpi" X,i" <,'* First,wenotethatthetrialcourtwasrequiredtoholdahearingontheadmissibilityofRule  404(b)evidenceonlyuponrequest.(emphasisadded).Thedefendantfailedtorequesta404(b)  hearing.Thus,thetrialcourtdidnoterrbyfailingtoconductahearing.Technically,itiswaived.  Statev.Jones,15S.W.3d880,895(Tenn.Crim.App.1999). k   ЀNext,theStatesoughttointroduceevidence(1)thatForrestBoydwasnotinDyerCounty,  3 Tennessee,onJanuary2,2000;(2)thatthedefendantspossessionofForrestBoydscreditcardwas   unauthorized;and(3)adescriptionofthevehicle.Thisevidencewasrelevanttoestablish   premeditation.WhileevidencehadalreadybeenintroducedthatForrestBoydscreditcardwas   foundatthesceneofthemurder,noevidencewasbeforethejuryatthattimethatthedefendants    possessionofthecreditcardwasunauthorized.Similarly,therewasnootherevidenceestablishing p  thefactthatthedefendantsuseofMr.Boydsvehiclewasunauthorized.Thus,SheriffParsons Y  testimonywashighlyrelevantinestablishingthedefendantsmotiveforthemurder.#Xc.XXNXc.l# SXXc.N B   +{  #Nis##Xc.XJs#Finally,weconcludethattheevidencewasmoreprobativethanprejudicial.TheStates <  examinationofSheriffParsonandSheriffParsonsresponseswererestrictedtoveryvagueinquiries % astothepresenceofForrestBoydinDyerCountyandwhethertheuseofhiscreditcardand/orcar  inDyerCountywereauthorized.NoinformationwaselicitedregardingthemurderofForrestBoyd.  Indeed,thereisnoindicationfromthetestimonythatForrestBoydisdeceased.Additionally,the  prosecutionwascarefultonotelicittheterm theft, steal,oranequivalenttermfromSheriff y Parson.Therefore,forthereasonsstated,weconcludethatthetestimonyofSheriffParsondidnot b invokeerror. K  4  m  V  `  @ IV.PROOFOFDEATHBYLAYTESTIMONY ?  )  Thedefendantnextassertsthatthetrialcourterredbypermittingafirstdegreemurder  convictiontobeobtainedbylaytestimonyastothecauseofdeath.Specifically,thedefendant  complainsthattheStateonlypresentedthetestimonyoftwoemergencymedicaltechniciansanda  paramedicastothecauseofthevictimsdeath.Thedefendantassertsthat [t]hefactthata ~  woundedpersondiesisnotconclusivethatdeathresultedfromthewound.  g!  P"   ThelawofthisStateisthatanonexpert,afterdescribingawound,mayexpressanopinion 8#! thatitcauseddeath.SeeOwensv.State,202Tenn.679,682,308S.W.2d423(1958).Moreover, !$q" thereneedbenodirectexpertevidenceastothecauseofdeath,anddeathmaybepresumedtohave  %Z # beencausedbyapparentwounds,particularlywhenthereisnosuggestionintherecordthatthe %C!$ deceaseddiedfromanyothercausethanthatrelieduponbytheState.McCordv.State,198Tenn. &,"% 226,278S.W.2d689,691(1955);Bryantv.State,503S.W.2d955,958(Tenn.Crim.App.1973); '#& Statev.RoscoeL.GrahamandKendrickL.Cavil,No.02C019507CR00189(Tenn.Crim.App. (#' atJackson,Apr.20,1999);Statev.RichardLeeFranklin,No.03C019706CR00219(Tenn.Crim. )$( App.atKnoxville,Aug.10,1998);seealsoBerryv.State,523S.W.2d371,374(Tenn.Crim.App. *%) 1974)(causeofdeathneednotbescientificallyshownineverycase).Thereisnothingintherecord i+&* tosuggestthatthedeathofthevictimwasoccasionedbynaturalcauses,byaccident,orbythe  deceasedhimself.Bryant,503S.W.2dat958.Indeed,thedefendantadmittedtoinflictingthestab  wound.Whenemergencypersonnelarrivedatthescene,thevictimhadnovitalsigns.  Thelay  testimonyaloneissufficienttoestablishthatthevictimdiedfromthestabwound. Thisclaimis n withoutmerit. Z   C  @V.PROSECUTORSCOMMENTSDURINGCLOSINGARGUMENT * z   d  Duringclosingargument,theprosecutormadethefollowingcomment:  N  X X XAndMr.Kellysayshessorry.Wherestheevidencethathessorry?Isdragging  7  RayPattersonsbodyacrosstheparkinglotofthatservicestationintothatbay,is   thatshowingImsorry?Istakingthisdeadmanswallet,pistol,creditcards,   showingImsorry,Imsorry?Doestakingthiswreckeroutandgettinghiscaroff   andthencomingbackintotownandgettingothermeansofescapeshowImsorry,   Imsorry?WhenheseesJimPorterinAutoZone,doeshegoupandsay, Officer, t  Imsorry.Inafitofpassion,Ikilledaman.Imsorry.No.Hetriestocoverup ]  hiscrime.Hetradescars.Heleavestown.Hemakesanescaperouteatthemotel F wherehegoes.Hedyeshishairsohewontlookthesame.Now,isthatsomebody / whoissorry,oristhatsomebodywhohasplannedandcoldbloodedly, h premeditatedlykilledsomebody? Q  XY XK X=  :  Thedefendantmovedforamistrialbasedupontheprosecutorscommenttothejurythat ! theyhadheardnothingremorsefulfromanywitnessesandthatthecommentwasanimproper   commentregardingthedefendantsfailuretotestify.  TheStaterespondedthat Mr.Kellymadethe  argumentinhisclosingthatthedefendantwasremorsefulandsorry.Mycommentwasthatthere  wasnoevidenceofremorseorsorrow.  Thetrialcourtdeniedthedefendantsmotion.The u defendantnowcomplainsthatthiswaserror. _  H S1 S?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Whereadefendantcomplainsofaprosecutorsclosingargument,heisrequiredtoshowthat  theargumentwassoinflammatoryortheconductsoimproperthatitaffectedtheverdicttohis m detriment.#Xc.XXNXc.:#NXc.XXXc.ԀHarringtonv.State,#Xc.XXNXc.q#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ215Tenn.338,340,385S.W.2d758,759(1965).#Xc.XXNXc.׋#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Aprosecutoris V  strictlyprohibitedfromcommentingonthedefendantsdecisionnottotestify.Statev.Reid,91 ?! S.W.3d247,297(Tenn.2002);#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Cokerv.State,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ911S.W.2d357,368(Tenn.Crim.App.1995). ("x  However,wedonotconcludethatthestatementsmadebytheprosecutorconstituteacommenton #a! thedefendantsfailuretotestify.Duringclosingargument,counselforthedefendantremarked: #J"  X X XIamverysorrythatMr.Pattersonisdeceased.IknewMr.Patterson,Iknowhis 6% # family,andImverysorrythishappened.Andsoismyclient.Bywecantundo &o!$ that.Andyourenottouse!theCourtsgonnatellyouyourenottousesympathy 'X"% indecidingwhattheappropriateoffenseisthatMr.Thackercommitted. 'A#&  XM X[ X?   XThestatementsmadebytheprosecutionwere#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁrebuttalargumentdirectedtothedefensecounsels -)}$' earlierargumentthatthedefendantwassorryaboutthemurder.Thegistoftheprosecutors *f%( commentswasdirectedmoretowardthedefendantsactionsandomissionsafterthekilling,rather *O&) thanthedefendantsfailuretotestify.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Wedonotthinkthestatementcanbefairlycharacterizedas +8'* acommentonthedefendantsfailuretotestify.SeegenerallyStatev.Miller,771S.W.2d401,405  (Tenn.1989).Thus,therewasnoerrorcommittedbythetrialcourtinrefusingtograntamotion  formistrialonthisbasis.  #Xc.XXNXc.[#XXc.N#NH##Xc.X)# XV?+ ` hp x X? SXXc.N  #N=##Xc.X# @ VI.FAILURETOPERMITARGUMENT&INSTRUCTIONONSELFDEFENSE @   * z  Duringajuryinstructionconferencepriortoclosingargumentsattheguiltphase,thetrial  d courtinquiredastoachargeof selfdefense.  Theprosecutionobjectedstating:  M  X X X[I]thastoberaisedbytheproof.Itcantbestrictlyanargument.Therehastobe  6  someproofofselfdefense,andthereisabsolutelynothinginthistestimonyorproof    thatindicatesselfdefense,YourHonor.    X2 X@ X$  X Counselforthedefendantresponded:    X X X XTheresevidenceofafirearmonthevictim,YourHonor,andevidencethatitwas   loaded.Ijustthinkthatraisesenoughofaninferenceforustoargueit. s   X X X   X_The_Ԁtrialcourtconcludedthattherewasnoproofthatthevictimhadever pulledhisweaponon \  thedefendantandthechargewasnotprovided.   E  X6 .~  S?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Todeterminewhetherselfdefenseisfairlyraisedbytheproofandmustbeinstructedtothe g jury, acourtmust,ineffect,considertheevidencein% Z #Xc.XXNXc.#%ZxNXc.XXXc.thelightmostfavorabletothedefendant, P includingdrawingallreasonableinferencesflowingfromthatevidence.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Shropshire,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ874 9 S.W.2d634,639(Tenn.Crim.App.1993).Apersonisjustifiedinusingforceagainstanother " personwhenheorshereasonablybelieves(1)thatdeathorseriousbodilyinjuryisimminent,and   (2)thattheforceusedisimmediatelynecessarytoprotectagainsttheotherpersonsuseor  attempteduseofunlawfulforce.Tenn.CodeAnn.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.#Xc.XXNXc.۠#NXc.XXXc.3911611(a).Ontheotherhand,apersonis  notjustifiedinusingorthreateningforceagainstanotherifheorsheprovokedtheotherpersons v useorattempteduseofunlawfulforceunless(1)heorshe abandonstheencounterorclearly _ communicatestotheothertheintenttodoso,and(2)theotherpersonstillpersistsinusing H unlawfulforce.Tenn.CodeAnn.#Xc.XXNXc."#NXc.XXXc.#Xc.XXNXc.1#NXc.XXXc.3911611(d)(1)(2).Adefendant#Xc.XXNXc.x#NXc.XXXc.whoseekstoavoidcriminal 1 responsibilityforhisconductuponatheoryof#Xc.XXNXc.ܣ#NXc.XXXc.selfdefensemustbe#Xc.XXNXc.~#NXc.XXXc.freefrom#Xc.XXNXc.դ#NXc.XXXc.faultinbringingabout j thenecessityofusingforceorshouldhaveclearlyabandonedhisinitialintenttodoharm.SeeState  S v.DerekeEmontFitzgerald,No.W200001279CCAR3CD(Tenn.Crim.App.atJackson,Oct.  < 24,2000).#Xc.XXNXc.!#NXc.XXXc. !%   #a! Ѐ  Evenconsideringtheevidenceinthelightmostfavorabletothedefendant,wecannot #J" concludethattheevidenceraisedafactualissueastowhetherthedefendantactedinselfdefense. $3 # Althoughseveralwitnessestestifiedthatthevictimcarriedaweapon,therewasnoevidencethatthe %!$ victimwastheaggressorwhopulledhisgunonthedefendant.Accordingtothedefendant,the &"% victimtriedtopullhisgunoutonlyafterThackerhadstabbedhim.Moreover,Thackeradmitted '"& thathestabbedthevictimasthevictimwasfacingtowardthecreditcardmachinewithhisback (#' towardhim.#Xc.XXNXc.# SXXc.NԀ S#NXc.XN##Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Thereissimplynoobjectivebasisforustofindthatthedefendant#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.reasonably#Xc.XXNXc.I#NXc.XXXc.Ԁbelieved p)$( thathewasinimminentdangerofdeathorseriousbodilyinjury.Accordingly,therefusaltoinstruct Y*%) thejuryonselfdefensewasnoterror.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.NXNXc.     p  B+&* Ї@  #NXc.XN#VII.SUFFICIENCYOFTHEEVIDENCE   S@=#Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Thedefendantarguesthattheevidencepresentedattrialisinsufficientto% j #Xc.XXNXc.#%jhNXc.XXXc.supporthis @ convictionforfirstdegreemurder.Specifically,thedefendantassertsthat theproofwaslacking )y thatitwasapremeditatedmurderandthatitoccurredinperpetrationoftheft;thattheftonly b occurredasanafterthought,accordingtotheevidence.Inthisregard,heassertsthat#Xc.XXNXc.#?+ ` hp x X?NXc.XXXc.Ԁthetrialcourt K #Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.erredbyfailingtogranthismotionfor#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.judgmentof#Xc.XXNXc.s#NXc.XXXc.acquittalorbyfailingtoactasthethirteenth  4 juror.   _A_Ԁmotionforjudgmentofacquittalraisesaquestionoflawforthetrialcourts  Y determination.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Hall,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ656S.W.2d60,61(Tenn.Crim.App.1983).Whenthetrialcourtis  B presentedwithamotionforjudgmentofacquittal,theonlyconcernisthelegalsufficiency,as  +  opposedtotheweight,oftheevidence.#Xc.XXNXc.^#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Blanton,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ926S.W.2d953,957(Tenn.Crim.App.   1996).Appellatecourtsareillsuitedtoassesswhethertheverdictissupportedbytheweightand   credibilityoftheevidence.#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Statev.Moats,#Xc.XXNXc.#NXc.XXXc.Ԁ906S.W.2d431,435(Tenn.1995).Forthatreason,in